Provincial Minister Kevin Mullen celebrates Mass at Holy Name Friary in Ringwood. (Photo courtesy of Octavio Duran)
RINGWOOD, N.J. — Five residents of the Province’s skilled nursing home were recognized last month in commemoration of their anniversaries of profession and ordination.
Provincial Minister Kevin Mullen, OFM, celebrated a morning liturgy at Holy Name Friary on June 24, two days after the Provincial jubilee celebration in New York City. The Ringwood jubilee was followed by a festive outdoor luncheon, held under a tent.
The jubilarians honored were Romuald Chinetsky, OFM, Justus Frazier, OFM, and Leonard Lencewicz, OFM, who marked 60 years as friars, and Bonaventure Hayes, OFM, and William Scully, OFM, who marked their 50th anniversaries of ordination.
Roughly 150 people attended the celebration, according to guardian Richard McFeely, OFM, who said, “It was a very happy day. The jubilarians seemed very pleased.”
The 2017 jubilarians (left to right): Justus Frazier, Romuald Chinetsky, Bonaventure Hayes, William Scully and Leonard Lencewicz (Photo courtesy of Octavio Duran)
“I really enjoyed the celebration,” said Leonard, a Massachusetts native who has lived in Ringwood since 2014. “The feeling of unity was great. The food was out of this world. I was happy to see all my friends who came to celebrate.”
William agreed. “The celebration was quite good. I was glad to see people from various parishes.”
Romuald, who was stationed for more than 40 years at Siena College near Albany, N.Y., before moving to Ringwood in 2011, said, “The whole thing was well done, and I could tell a lot of work went into planning it. The tables were set up great, and the huge shrimp were delicious. The staff helped us greatly.” He was pleased that relatives attended the event, especially a brother who Romuald had not seen in nine years.
Among those at the Saturday celebration were Octavio Duran, OFM, who took photos of the event, and John Anglin, OFM, who traveled to New Jersey from St. Petersburg, Fla., where he is stationed. Also attending were friars from nearby communities of Butler, Paterson and Pompton Lakes, N.J. as well as from Siena.
Because the jubilee celebration included Ministry of the Word “emeritus” friars, it “was a good time to get together,” said John.
Holy Name Friary, located next to the 5,000-acre Ringwood State Park, opened in 1989. It has won praise through the years both from state agencies and from residents.
William Scully is greeted during the June 24 celebration. (Photo courtesy of Octavio Duran)
“I like the good camaraderie among the friars, including those from other Franciscan communities,” said William, who has lived at the Ringwood friary since 2014.
Romuald said, “everybody here is kind and good,” adding, “Staff members are always concerned even with the smallest need. They listen to us.”
Leonard said he enjoys gardening and using his computer. “I maintain my activity interests with help from the activity department.”
Romuald said he is satisfied with life at the skilled nursing facility. “I have everything I need,” he said. “I keep busy with leisure activities. I go to exercise. I attend activities that involve shopping and scenic drives and social events.”
— Jocelyn Thomas is director of communications for Holy Name Province.
Related Links
- “William Scully Marks 50 Years as a Friar” – May 22, 2013, HNP Today
- “Ringwood Friars Celebrate Jubilees” – June 23, 2010, HNP Today
- “Ringwood Residents Grateful for Home, Family” – March 4, 2009, HNP Today